A popular new waterfront park that Williamsburg residents fought hard to get built will be shut for the winter as part of Gov. Paterson’s sweeping budget cuts.

East River State Park, which opened in 2007 after years of delays and planning, will be closed January through March, officials said.

“Closing a park is unheard of in modern times,” said Geoffrey Croft of the watchdog group New York City Park Advocates.

The 7-acre park is popular with Brooklyn’s hipster sunbathers for its scenic views of Manhattan and the Williamsburg Bridge. But it has been subject to criticism, including its many rules – such as no pets allowed – and that it is only open 10 a.m. to dusk.